giannatoe4
hide bio
PM . Follow . Favorite
Joined 02-15-17, id: 8805414, Profile Updated: 02-15-17

The East StratCom is a task force in the European Union External Action Services (EEAS) that gathers reports on alleged pro-Kremlin misinformation, usually referred to as just ‘propaganda', and debunks false claims with facts. The reports are published through a weekly newsletter titled ‘Disinformation Review' that usually contains about 50 examples of misinformation and an analysis of different topics.
Information about the East StratCom task force
Denmark is one of the founding members of the task force and after an independent preliminary report analyzing the listed material, was submitted to the Danish parliament, Council of Foreign Relations, controversy about the objectivity and possible ‘black-listing' of persons based on their opinions that in some instances has nothing to do with Russia but are considered EU-skeptic. Danish media experts have found it problematic that the East StratCom task force not only aims to debunk pro-Kremlin misinformation but also simultaneously is required to promote European Union values.

While the Danish Foreign minister remains a firm supporter of the work of East StratCom he has asked the ministry to look into if procedures should be changed or improved in regards to the production of the weekly Disinformation Review newsletter. Concrete changes currently includes a more thorough disclaimer to the newsletter and an email where persons or websites listed can object to them being listed as pro-Kremlin by the East StratCom task force.

In an article published by a website for Danish communication professionals the author of the report raises concerns that the work of East StratCom is a step towards internet censorship as well as stronger government control of media.
The preliminary report is available (in Danish) on the website of the Danish Parliament. The final report will also be available in English.